It won't be long before festive parties are underway and this time of year always throws up the same old wardrobe conundrum - what to wear when you've got a meeting in the boardroom at 10am but drinks at the bar at 6pm?
And I'm thanking Cat Deeley and her latest This Morning outfit for giving me inspiration.
Wearing an M&S lace top and smart, tailored trousers, Cat confirms that lace is the way to go to elevate a look, making sometimes office appropriate cocktail-worthy too.
- Cat Deeley hosted This Morning with Ben Shepherd on October 20
- The TV presenter wore the M&S Lace High Neck Padded Top, £75
- She teamed it with a pair of Reiss Flared Trousers, £110.
Layering the sheer lace top over a camisole, it's modest enough for the office with its high neck, long sleeves and sharp, shoulder pad shoulders.
© InstagramThe structured style of the top is a great juxtaposition to the more romantic, feminine material, a cornelli design that is girly in its curves and squiggle pattern. I also love the fluted, flared cuffs, giving it a further feminine vibe.
Available in the colour 'spice', a deep orange-red, its currently selling at £75 and can be bought in sizes 6 - 24.
Cat's styling of the lace top is a fine example of how to smarten up a floaty blouse. She added a pair of suit trousers to toughen up the lace, the Reiss 'Gabi' Flared Suit Trousers in a warm mink shade.
With a pair of heeled boots, it's smart without being boring; you could add the suit jacket blazer over the top of the lace blouse if your office is particularly smart and remove it once you hit the dancefloor.
Or you could layer the blouse under a knitted tank or sweater, letting the high neck and flared sleeves poke out of the hemlines.
Of course, the M&S top is also screaming 'jeans and a nice top' vibes, and I think a pair of dark flared high waist jeans would look chic with this too.
I'd suggest taking your usual size or even sizing up; the key to this stylish ensemble is the blouse not being too tight. Leaving it floaty and loose gives a more bohemian flair.
Cat's recent looks
On Monday's edition of This Morning, Cat wore another sexy blouse, yet again proving how versatile a stylish blouse can be.
© InstagramShe wore the Rixo x Bay Garnett 'Sylvie' Embroidered Silk Top, featuring a large-scale dragon embroidery inspired by traditional Chinese tapestries and a nipped in waist. Cat wore it with a black leather skirt, but again, swap the skirt for jeans and you're ready for those drinks with the girls.
© InstagramAnd talk about a style 180; at the weekend, Cat gave us parents casual outfit inspiration with her off-duty look as she took her sons for a coffee and shopping date. The 49-year-old wore a suede bomber jacket, which looks to be the River Island Faux Suede Funnel Neck Jacket. Teamed with light jeans and a dark cap, I love this for a cool Saturday look running errands of spending time with the kids.
